Discrete GPU vs. Integrated video

[cameronkrazi23]

I see that there are different GA dates depending on the type of graphics card. However, I'm confused. What is the difference between discrete video (GPU) and integrated memory? I assumed that one is "integrated" with the motherboard and the other is a separate video card, but I wasn't sure. Are the higher end ones discrete? Thanks.

[AtmosMan]

Integrated video memory means that it is shared with the system memory. For example, if you buy a system with 256MB of system memory and integrated graphics, the video memory comes from the 256MB of system memory. I believe up to 64MB of system memory can be used for video memory.

Having a separate GPU means having memory dedicated for video use only. So for example if you buy a system with 256MB of system memory and a video card with 32MB of memory it means that the 256MB of system memory will be used for the system, and the video card has its own memory used for only video.

Obviously the machines with separate video memory will perform better than ones with integrated video memory.

Hope this helps

-Brian